Times Square Torso Ripper: Richard Cottingham

Interesting read

Gripping...

Having read and enjoyed Mr. Vronsky’s earlier works on Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka, and his books on Female Serial Killers and Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters (in my opinion, the single-best book on SK’s ever written), I was looking forward to his latest on the Times Square Torso Ripper, Richard Cottingham. Needless to say, I was not disappointed!Even though I read a lot about SKs, I will admit my knowledge about Cottingham was sparse – until I got this book. Mr. Vronsky brings not only a wealth of professional knowledge to ‘the Butcher’s’ crimes, but sets the Times Square Torso Ripper above other books on the subject for many reasons, namely his deeply disturbing personal encounter with the killer in New York in the late Seventies at the height of the murders (I won’t spoil it, except to say it is a terrific way to introduce Cottingham to the reader). This was when the term ‘Serial Killer’ was only starting to be used.Responsible for at least six gruesome murders, and suspected of committing dozens more, Richard Cottingham is not as well-known as, say, Jeffrey Dahmer (he should be), and Mr. Vronsky does a terrific job of evoking not only the crimes themselves as he preyed on prostitutes, but the decay of New York City with its countless peep show theaters, porno bookshops, and pinball parlors in this thoroughly-researched and well-written and illustrated book of a city which somehow managed to resurrect itself. New York of the Seventies may be gone, but Cottingham’s crimes live on through this book.

When I first heard about this new book by Peter Vronsky I couldn't wait to read it, he is an amazing author..In this book he has chronicled the murders committed by Richard Cottingham and the brief encounter he had with him in the '70s.' Though he gets graffic describing the types of sex acts etc..for sale around the forty duece,he does so to give the reader a feel for the flavor of that time and gives us an understanding of why Cottingham was able to get away with the murders he committed,for awhile at least..There are a ton of great photos in this book and some are graffic in nature, so if you get offended easily you might want to bypass those..Id recommend this book to anyone interested in true crime,it's a very well written book and most certainly will not bore you.

Creepy sadistic monster. Interesting read about a very bad person. Loved the insight and information on this monster